The Nellitheertha Cave Temple is located in Nellitheertha town near Mangalore in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Somanatheshwara. People visit the cave temple not only for religious reasons but also for its lush green natural surroundings. Hence, the temple is a desired spot amongst tourists.
Nellitheertha cave temple history and mythology
Nellitheertha cave temple is a place of great antiquity, dating back to 1487 CE. Historical facts state that the Nellitheertha temple was under the care of the Chowta family of Tulu Nadu. As per popular belief, the temple flourished under their able governance and served as a centre for religious and cultural activities. Even to this day, the descendants of the Chowta family extend their participation in the development and upkeep of the temple. Archaeological evidence in the temple reveals the Jain influence in the Nellitheertha temple. The temple conducts Jaatre, an annual festival in the last week of December in Nellitheertha.
The temple also has mythological inferences. As per popular belief, sage Jabali meditated in this cave, beseeching Goddess Durga to end the atrocities of the demon Arunasura. Earlier, the sage had given the Gayathri mantra to the asura, who misused it to harass the world. Goddess Durga, pleased with the penance of the sage, took the shape of a bumble bee and vanquished the notorious asura in the place called Kateel. In the very place where the goddess killed the asura stands the most popular Kateel Durga Parameshwari temple. The goddess also assured sage Jabali that Lord Shiva and Vishnu, along with her, will have temples in the region to bless the world. Thereby, as Somanatheshwara, Lord Shiva chose Nellitheertha for his abode, Lord Vishnu graces the world from Kompadavu, and Goddess Durga extends her blessings from Muchur.
The Cave at the Nellitheertha temple
The Nellitheertha cave temple draws not only devotees but also nature lovers and the adventurous lot. A cave right at the temple’s entrance has a path inside narrowing down in due course, causing devotees to crawl to reach the sanctum sanctorum. The arduous effort of crawling thus for about 300 to 400 metres is aptly rewarded as the devotees get sight of a naturally formed Shivalinga in front of a lake. The cave temple also gets its name because little drops of water in the shape of gooseberries (Nelli in the local language) fall, constantly forming the lake or the holy waterbody (theertha). Another significant aspect of the Nellitheertha cave temple is the mud in the cave, which has healing properties and is treated as prasada by the devotees. There is also a shrine dedicated to Maha Ganapati and Jabali Maharshi in the temple.
Nellitheertha Cave temple timings
The Nellitheertha Somanatheshwara cave temple is open for worship only six months a year, from October to April, from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Contact info
Address
2W85+GG4,
Kuppepadav,
Nellitheertha,
Karnataka 574144
Nellitheertha temple contact number: +91-824-229-9142
How to reach Nellitheertha cave temple
Mangalore to Nellitheertha cave temple is only about 17.2 km. Hence it is easily accessible by air, train and by road.
By Air
Mangalore International Airport to Nellitheertha temple is about 13.5 KM and is the nearest airport. One can then hire a cab from the airport to reach the temple, which takes approximately 30 minutes.
By Rail
The Mangalore Railway station is the biggest station to reach Nellitheertha and is connected to all major cities of the country by rail. One can take a train to Mangalore and, from there, hire a cab to reach the Nellitheertha temple.
By Bus
Nellitheertha can be easily reached by road. One can drive to the temple or resort to public transport.
To conclude, the Nellitheertha cave temple thus draws people who are devoted, have a spirit of adventure, and love nature.